The dangers of the wrong cleaning method
Many people are accustomed to using ear patting vessels, believing that it keeps the ear canal clean, but in reality this practice can be more harmful. While ear pinching may seem convenient, earwax can easily be pushed deep into the ear canal, which can lead to earwax buildup and earwax plug formation. According to the Hong Kong Health Department, about 10% of adults have ear canal problems due to improper cleaning methods, most of which are related to the use of ear pickers.
In addition to ear pickers, cotton swabs are also a common cleaning tool, but their harm should not be ignored either. The fibers of the swab remain in the ear canal, which can cause infections and allergic reactions. In addition, the use of cotton swabs can easily damage the eardrum due to improper force control, which leads to hearing impairment. Sharp objects, such as hairpins and keys, are even more dangerous because they cannot effectively remove earwax and can damage the skin of the ear canal, causing bleeding and inflammation.
Earwax itself is a natural protective mechanism for the ears, attracting dust and bacteria and preventing foreign bodies from entering the deep ear canal. Excessive cleaning can actually undermine this protection and make your ears more susceptible to infections. Therefore, avoiding these improper cleaning tools is key to protecting your ear health.
Disadvantages of ear pickers: they push earwax deep and damage the ear canal
The biggest problem with ear pinching is that it doesn’t actually remove the earwax, but pushes it deeper into the ear canal. The ear canal is curved in an S-shape, and the use of ear pluckers tends to push earwax close to the eardrum and clog it. Not only does this blockage affect your hearing, but it can also cause symptoms such as ear congestion and earache. According to a study by the Hong Kong Association of Otorhinolaryngologists, about 15% of cases of earwax embolism are related to improper use of ear pickers.
In addition, the material of the ear pincer is usually hard, and it is easy to damage the skin of the ear canal when used. The skin of the ear canal is very fragile, and when damaged, bacteria can enter and cause infection. In severe cases, it can even lead to otitis externa or otitis media, which can further affect your hearing.
Other improper cleaning methods: cotton swabs, hairpins, etc.
Although the swab is soft, it is not designed to clean the ear canal. Due to the large head of the swab, earwax tends to be pushed deeper, which can also leave cotton wool and cause discomfort in the ear canal. Sharp objects, such as hairpins and keys, are even more dangerous because they not only do not effectively remove earwax, but can also puncture the eardrum and cause permanent hearing damage.
The Hong Kong Health Department has warned that hundreds of cases of improper ear cleaning are reported to doctors each year, most of which are related to the use of cotton swabs and sharp objects. These cases remind us of the importance of choosing the right cleaning method.
Signs and effects of earwax accumulation
When earwax accumulates to a certain extent, there are obvious signs, the most common of which is hearing loss. When earwax blocks the ear canal, sound waves do not travel smoothly to the eardrum, causing blurred or inaudible hearing. According to a study by the Hong Kong Hearing Society, about 20% of hearing impairments are related to earwax buildup, especially among the elderly and children.
In addition to hearing problems, earwax buildup can cause stuffiness in the ears, which can make your ears feel like they’re clogged, or even tinnitus and dizziness. These symptoms not only affect daily life, but can also lead to anxiety and insomnia. If left untreated, earwax buildup can also lead to infections, which can lead to serious problems such as ear pain and pus.
Hearing loss, ear congestion
Hearing loss is one of the most common symptoms of earwax buildup. When the ear canal is blocked by earwax, it interferes with the conduction of sound, leading to hearing loss. This condition is usually temporary, and hearing may return to normal as soon as the earwax is removed. However, if left untreated for a long time, it can cause permanent damage to your hearing.
Another common symptom is stuffy ears, which can be caused by pressure or pain in the ears. This discomfort can affect your work and quality of life, especially when you need to concentrate.
Tinnitus, dizziness
The accumulation of earwax can also cause tinnitus, in which you hear buzzing or hissing sounds, which are abnormal reactions of the ear canal, rather than from the external environment. Dizziness is another possible symptom in which dizziness or loss of balance occurs due to earwax squeezing the balance organs.
According to the Hong Kong Association of Otolaryngologists, about 5% of tinnitus cases are related to earwax buildup, and these patients usually experience relief after earwax removal. Therefore, it is very important to deal with the problem of earwax in a timely manner.
The infection is inflamed
If left untreated, earwax buildup can lead to infections. The humid environment of the ear canal is a breeding ground for bacteria, and when earwax is blocked, bacteria can multiply and lead to otitis externa or otitis media. Symptoms of infection include ear pain, pus, fever, and in severe cases, even antibiotic treatment.
According to the Hong Kong Health Bureau, there are about 500 cases of infection due to earwax accumulation each year, most of them children and the elderly. These cases are a reminder that earwax is a problem that cannot be ignored.
The concept of proper ear cleaning
Many people mistakenly think that they need to clean their ears frequently, but in fact earwax excretes on its own. The skin of the ear canal has a self-cleaning function, which allows earwax to slowly push towards the opening of the ear canal and eventually fall off on its own. As a result, excessive cleaning can interfere with this process and lead to the accumulation of earwax.
The correct concept of cleaning is to clean the outer ear in moderation. The outer ear refers to the visible part of the outside of the ear, such as the auricle or the opening of the ear canal. These areas can be gently wiped with a damp towel to keep them clean. As for the inside of the ear canal, it does not need to be particularly cleaned, unless there is significant discomfort.
Earwax passes naturally
Excretion of earwax is a natural process and usually does not require human intervention. When you chew, talk, or yawn, the muscles inside your auditory canal move, helping earwax move outward. The Hong Kong Association of Otorhinolaryngologists recommends that you do not actively clean your ear canal unless earwax buildup is causing symptoms.
Moderate cleaning of the outer ear is sufficient
Cleaning the outer ear is very simple, just gently wipe it with a damp towel. To avoid injury, do not insert the tool into the ear canal. After bathing, gently dry the area around the ears with a towel to prevent moisture from accumulating. With these simple steps, you can keep your ears clean and avoid unnecessary risks.
Steps to clean your ears safely
If you need to clean your ears, you need to follow safe procedures. First, when cleaning the outer ear, gently wash the auricle and auditory canal openings with warm water and soap and dry them with a towel. If you have a lot of earwax, consider using ear drops to soften the earwax and allow it to pass naturally.
After bathing, special attention should be paid to moisture in the ear canal. Gently pressing on the ears with a towel will help absorb excess moisture and prevent infection in a humid environment. These procedures are simple and easy to follow, and they are effective for ear maintenance.
Clean the outer ear: Gently wipe with a damp towel
To clean the outer ear, simply gently wipe the auricle and mouth opening with a damp towel. To avoid injury, avoid using tools that insert into the ear canal. The Hong Kong Health Department recommends cleaning the outer ear 1-2 times a week, as excessive cleaning can cause problems.
Use ear drops: soften earwax and help expel it
If you have a lot of earwax, you may want to consider using ear drops. Ear drops soften earwax and make it easier to pass naturally. When using, follow the instructions in the manual to avoid excessive use. The Hong Kong Pharmacists Association reminds that ear drops are not suitable for long-term use and that you should seek professional help if your symptoms do not improve.
Pay attention to moisture: dry the ear canal after bathing
After bathing, water may remain in the ear canal, which increases the risk of infection. Therefore, after bathing, gently dry the area around the ears with a towel to prevent moisture from accumulating. When swimming or diving, you can also consider using earplugs to prevent water from entering your ear canal.
When should you seek professional help?
Earwax can usually be drained naturally, but in some cases, you may need to seek professional assistance. If you have severe earwax clogging that affects your hearing, or if you have symptoms such as ear pain or pus, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. If self-cleaning doesn’t work, you should also consider seeking professional help.
The Hong Kong Association of Otorhinolaryngologists recommends immediate medical attention if:
- Sudden loss of hearing
- Persistent pain in the ear
- Bleeding or bleeding in the ear canal
- Symptoms do not improve even after self-cleaning
Earwax becomes severely clogged, affecting hearing
If the accumulation of earwax is severe and affects your hearing, you should seek professional help. Doctors can use specialized tools to safely remove earwax without damaging the ear canal. According to the Hong Kong Health Bureau, there are about 1,000 people seeking treatment each year for clogged earwax, and these patients usually return to normal hearing after treatment.耳屎 聽力
Ear pain, bleeding
Ear pain and pus can be signs of an infection and should be seen by a doctor immediately. Depending on the situation, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics or other treatment regimens to avoid worsening the condition. The Hong Kong Association of Otorhinolaryngologists reminds that delays in treatment can lead to permanent hearing impairment.
Self-cleaning is ineffective
If, after self-cleaning, the condition does not improve, you should consider the help of a specialist. The doctor will be able to examine the condition of the ear canal through an otoscope and recommend appropriate treatment. Hong Kong’s health department advises against using sharp tools to clean the ear canal to avoid more serious damage.